Press Release

Wednesday 27th February 2008

Free Bus Travel starts from 9am in Fareham from 1st April 2008

Fareham Residents who are entitled to a bus pass (those aged over 60 or who have qualifying disabilities) will benefit from an extension to the hours of the new national concession.  Free travel will apply from 9am until 12.59am Monday to Friday, for journeys which start within the borough of Fareham. This is an additional two and a half hour’s free travel each day in addition to the statutory minimum (which is from 9.30am until 11pm Monday to Friday and at all times weekends and bank holidays).

 

Executive Leader of Fareham Borough Council, Councillor Seán Woodward, said: “We have successfully negotiated this extension with bus operators to allow Fareham’s bus pass holders to travel free from 9am, which is important for those who have Doctor’s and Hospital appointments that they must attend.

 

“In the spring 2008 edition of Fareham Today magazine (out to households from next Monday) the off-peak time is stated starting at 9.30am, this is due to the fact the magazine went to print before the decision was made a full council on Friday 22 February, to extend the off-peak time to start from 9am.”

 

From 1 April 2008, people over 60 or registered disabled in England will be able to enjoy free off-peak local bus travel, on buses anywhere in England.  Existing pass holders do not need to reapply, their new pass will be sent to them by 31 March. The new national passes will be valid for a period of five years. There will be two types of pass, the pass with a blue stripe down the right- hand side, is for those residents aged 60 and over. The pass with the orange strip is for disabled residents.

 

 

In addition to the National Standard Scheme, Fareham will continue to provide;

 

• Travel tokens - £35 worth of tokens for an administration fee of £5.

This concession is available to eligible disabled residents and those currently in receipt of travel tokens. This concession is offered as an alternative to the bus pass and is renewable annually.

• Companion passes – available for residents who due to a disability, can’t travel alone. This pass, allows the pass holder and one companion to travel free within, and directly to and from the borough of Fareham. As this concession is provided solely by Fareham Borough Council it can’t be used in other areas of England. Those eligible will receive two passes, a national standard pass and a Fareham Borough Council pass.

 

For further information and application forms please visit: www.fareham.gov.uk website under Concessionary Travel; email: travelconcessions@fareham.gov.uk or tel: 01329 236100.

 

In Fareham off peak is 9am until 12.59am Monday to Friday, all day weekends and bank holidays

 

Ends

 

For Further Information Contact:

Sue Rance, Publicity Officer, tel: 01329 824518

fax: 01329 821518, e-mail: publicity@fareham.gov.uk